Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Victory in Killing Osama Bin Laden?

I have mixed feelings about the death of Osama Bin Laden.  A wise man once said that "Killing is a religion unto itself."  I understand the political and worldly symbolic importance of the death of this terrorist, but killing is just not something that I will ever be comfortable with, I guess?  And I know that on some level, killing Bin Laden only fuels the remaining terrorists even more maybe?  Another will most certainly rise to take his place and Bin Laden will live on a hero and "martyr" among his supporters.  So aside from removing the head of the hydra ... knowing full well that yet another will arise ... what have we truly gained?  I'm still thinking on this and so I have been silent on my comments thus far.

A friend of mine remarked "Killing Osama Bin Laden is a moral victory!" ... which seems an oxymoron to me?

There is a movie, "The Kingdom of Heaven." This movie is set during the time of the Crusades, when Christians and Muslims struggled for control of the "Holy Land."  Perhaps the most memorable quote of this entire movie is given by the Baron of Ibile just before his death.  The Baron has just made his illegitimate son, Balian, the new Baron of Ibile and in his parting words to his son he says, "At the end of the Crusade lies a world where Muslim and Christian can live side by side in peace."  

And indeed there have at times, in our history, been periods of peace between the Christian and Islamic religious factions.  We have even seen a tenuous peace between Jewish and Islamic states for brief periods of time. Perhaps the players, the methods of warefare, the stakes and the rules of engagement have changed in more modern times ... But  perhaps, a time of lasting peace and understanding will yet come upon us again?  The latter --PEACE-- will be what I will be dilligently praying for in my ongoing thoughts and daily prayers, I think.

6 comments:

lorely said...

Well said...I am processing this death as well, I would be interested for you to read my NAMASTE AND VENGEANCE posting of yesterday, I did leave my personal opinion out of the writing...I guess one can read between the lines and find their interpretation, but quite honestly I am still working through my feelings on the matter. I can say I am thankful his blood is not on my hands...yet his blood is on the hands of the U.S.A., so in some ways I feel I am held accountable. And also I do believe we will live to see the repercussions, what we have reaped, and another,
I am not pleased with the media coverage and the lauding over this death we are aspiring to...thank you for your post and the courage you have to write on the matter. Namaste and peace to you :)

Lorely

Michelle (Isabelle) said...

Yes, I will certainly read your poem. I read them all, but sometimes not in such a timely fashion ... You know: the demands of daily life? Can't wait to read. I will get back to you soon, my friend. Thank you for your support of my write on this issue.

Michelle (Isabelle) said...

P.S. I too am appalled with the media's coverage and handling of his death as well. They go too far ... How must we look in the eyes of the rest of the world?

Anonymous said...

Osama Bin Laden declared war on the United States in a written statement, and was involved not just in 9/11, but in additional "operations" against all of the civilised world. He was dangerous, a legitimate target, and needed to be stopped. Capturing him alive would have been difficult, dangerous, and fraught with ongoing danger afterwards. Killing him on the spot was the best course of action. Yes it is true that there will be more behind him, but they will have less experience as head of the organisation then Osama Bin Laden had. Ideally, the average tenure as leader of Al'Qaida will be measured in months going forward, instead of years, because this hampers the organisation. Congratulations and thanks go to the people who pulled this off. Since then they have also killed the 2nd in command. Hopefully they will be able to follow through with the rest of the organisation as quickly as possible, not for revenge, but because the existance of Al'Qaida is a scurge which must be eliminated for the betterment of all civilised peole.

Michelle (Isabelle) said...

Thank you for taking the time to read and post a comment here, Anonymous. Your comment is well thought out, informed and articulated. I have to say that the logical side of me, living in this physical world, is fully inclined to agree with your persuasive argument. That being said, the spiritual side of me is holding me back ... giving me lingering doubts. My spirit voice keeps whispering in my soul that there has to be a better way, a larger and lasting solution. That is all that I was trying to express in this entry. Thank you most sincerely for taking the time to read and comment. Your thoughts and insights are greatly appreciated, and I do most certainly appreciate the military men and women who serve our country, protect our borders and way of life ... our freedom.

Michelle (Isabelle) said...

Well, I mispoke slightly above ... there are many countries with brave men and women who serve their countries. Thus, I should have said, "I do most certainly appreciate the military men and women who serve their country in order protect their country's borders and way of life ... freedoms." [What I get for being up way too late at night when writing ... Do hope you'll forgive.]